Below horizon antenna aiming

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 60/917,258 filed May 10, 2007, entitled “SPHERICAL MOTORPOSITIONING,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to reorientation of objects viaelectro-mechanical means. More specifically the invention relates torotating parabolic antennas.

Existing electromechanical systems employed to reorient objects usuallyinvolves providing rotational motion of objects about certain axes. Eachdesired axis of rotation capability typically requires an independentelectromechanical system. For example, a single axis of rotation iseasily achieved using a singular electromechanical system which mayinclude a chassis, motors, gearboxes, shafts, and bearings. Two axes ofrotation necessitate an additional electromechanical system. Finally,three axes of rotation require yet another additional electromechanicalsystem.

Addition of electromechanical systems to achieve two and three axesrotation also requires coordination of all electromechanical systems toensure there is minimized physical interference between these systems.Even with diligent design consideration, it is often impossible toprovide systems in which significant portions of the turning radius ofvarious axes are unavailable due to physical interference.

For example, a single axis rotational system may allow for 120 degreesof movement in that axis, but adding a second axis of rotation having 60degrees of movement cause the movement in the first axis to be limitedto 90 degrees because of physical interference between the two systems.Continuing the example, if a third axis of rotation was added, the firstaxis may then be limited to 60 degrees, the second axis to 45 degrees,with the third axis only providing a small amount of rotational freedom(i.e. 30 degrees).

This limitation on the rotational degree of freedom in each axis canlead to some significant limitations in real world applications. By wayof example, below-horizon aiming of parabolic antennas, which mayrequire severe angular freedom of motion, may be impossible if multipleaxes of rotation are also desired.

Furthermore, the ability to rotate a subject object about an axis of itsown, or provide for other functions of such a subject object (i.e. powerand data transfer), may also be impeded or otherwise complicated by theelectromechanical systems necessary for rotation in all axes. Forexample, providing power and/or data transfer to these subject objectsmay be interfered with either because of either physical interference bythe rotational systems, or the extreme nature of desired rotations whenactually achievable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon is provided. The system may include a support member, aspherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may becoupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with thesupport member. The spherical structure may be at least partiallyspherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may berotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm maybe coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partiallydefines a void. The support member may be at least partially disposedwithin the void when the antenna is aimed in the directionbelow-horizon.

In another embodiment, a method for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon is provided. The method may include providing a supportmember, where the support member is coupled with a surface. The methodmay also include providing a spherical structure. The sphericalstructure may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may beat least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The methodmay further include providing at least one arm. The at least one arm maybe rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one armmay be coupled with the parabolic antenna. The at least one arm at leastpartially defines a void. The method may moreover include rotating theat least one arm such that the support member may be at least partiallydisposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the directionbelow-horizon.

In another embodiment, a system for aiming a subject object in adirection below-horizon is provided. The system may include a supportmember, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support membermay be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupledwith the support member. The spherical structure may be at leastpartially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one armmay be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least onearm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at leastpartially defines a void. The support member may be at least partiallydisposed within the void when the subject object is aimed in thedirection below-horizon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appendedfigures:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the inventionproviding a spherical motor;

FIG. 1A is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the invention,similar to that in FIG. 1, except having a spherically shaped continuousarm, rather than multiple discrete arms;

FIG. 1B is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the inventionproviding a spherical motor having arms fixed with a support member forrotating a partially spherically curved object;

FIG. 1C is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the invention,similar to that in FIG. 1B, except having a spherically shapedcontinuous arm fixed with the support member, rather than multiplediscrete arms;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having aspherical motor with a counterweight;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention used todirect a parabolic antenna subject object;

FIG. 4 is another isometric view of an embodiment of the invention witha parabolic antenna subject object at zenith position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention with aparabolic antenna subject object at a below horizon position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor;

FIG. 9 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 8, except using permanent magnets in the structure, andelectromagnets in the arms;

FIG. 10 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 8, except using electromagnets in both the structure and thearms;

FIG. 11 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 8, except where power is transferred to the parabolic antennausing electromagnetic induction;

FIG. 12 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 11, except where data is transferred to the parabolic antennavia modulation within the power supplied to the parabolic antenna;

FIG. 13 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 12, except having a rotatable coupling apparatus to change thepolarity of the parabolic antenna;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the underside of the rotatable couplingapparatus from FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is an electromechanical block diagram of an exemplary system forrevolving a parabolic antenna using a spherical motor, similar to thatin FIG. 13, except having the ability to rotate the structure withrespect to the support member, where the structure is controlled viamodulated control signals and power is provided to the structure viaelectromagnetic induction.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame numerical reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letterthat distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If onlythe first numerical reference label is used in the specification, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components and/orfeatures having the same first numerical reference label irrespective ofthe letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of thedisclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodimentswill provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood thatvarious changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elementswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits,systems, networks, processes, and other elements in the invention may beshown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure theembodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-knowncircuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shownwithout unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as aprocess which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flowdiagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchartmay describe the operations as a sequential process, many of theoperations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition,the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may beterminated when its operations are completed, but could have additionalsteps not discussed or included in a figure. Furthermore, not alloperations in any particularly described process may occur in allembodiments. A process may correspond to a method, a function, aprocedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process correspondsto a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the functionto the calling function or the main function.

The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited toportable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wirelesschannels and various other mediums capable of storing, containing orcarrying instruction(s) and/or data. A code segment ormachine-executable instructions may represent a procedure, a function, asubprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a softwarepackage, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures,or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another codesegment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information,data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments,parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via anysuitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing,network transmission, etc.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be implemented, at leastin part, either manually or automatically. Manual or automaticimplementations may be executed, or at least assisted, through the useof machines, hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode,hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.

Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a spherical motor 100 of theinvention is shown. Spherical motor 100 may include an at leastpartially sphere shaped structure 110 (hereinafter the “structure 110”)and at least one at least partially sphere shaped arm 120. A subjectobject may be coupled with arms 120 at coupling apparatus 130 (which isitself coupled with arms 120). In some embodiments, arms 120 mayincorporate the functionality and/or structure of coupling apparatus130.

Spherical motor 100 may be controlled, possibly via a control system, torevolve arms 120 relative to structure 110 and substantially about acentral point located at least near the center of structure 110. Thesubject object, being coupled with arms 120 via coupling apparatus 130,may also then revolve about that central point. In this manner, if thesubject object is desired to be pointed at a point in space, the azimuthdirection and the elevation angle of the object may be changed.Structure 110 may also be coupled with a surface 140 via a supportmember 150. Surface 140 may possibly be the Earth, a structure attachedto the Earth or a portion of a movable object such as a manned orunmanned vehicle, including orbital satellites.

Structure 110 may include a plurality of individually controllableelectromagnets, possibly in proximity to the surface of structure 110.In some embodiments, portions of the surface not having electromagnetsmay instead include a dielectric material. Individually controllableelectromagnets may possibly be controlled via the control system. Asindividual electromagnets are activated and deactivated, theelectromagnetic forces generated by the electromagnets may causepermanent magnets and/or electromagnets in arms 120 to react. This maycause arms 120 to revolve about structure 100. Any subject objectcoupled with coupling apparatus 130 may therefore revolve relative tostructure 110, and thus about the central point.

In some embodiments, arms 120 may be in proximity to the curved surfaceof structure 110, and curved to match that curvature. In otherembodiments, arms 120 may be curved around only one axis, rather thanhaving a spherical curvature. While any number of arms are possible, inan exemplary embodiment, spherical motor 100 may have three arms 120.While in one embodiment, arms 120 may have permanent magnets, in otherembodiments, arms 120 may have either electromagnets, or a combinationof permanent magnets and electromagnets. In other embodiments, structure110 may include permanent magnets, and electromagnets in arms 120 may beactivated to cause revolution of arms 120. In yet other embodiments,combination electromagnets/permanent magnets may be used which utilizeda paired electromagnet for each permanent magnet to selectively negatethe permanent magnet's magnetic field.

FIG. 1A shows another embodiment of the invention in which the sphericalmotor 101 includes only one spherically shaped continuous arm 120X. Inthis embodiment, rather than having multiple discrete arms 120 as inFIG. 1, spherical motor 101 instead uses one continuous arm 120X.Continuous arm 120X is spherically shaped to match structure 110, andcomprises permanent magnets and/or electromagnets in proximity to theinner surface of continuous arm 120X which react with permanent magnetsand/or electromagnets in structure 110 to cause the arms to revolveabout structure 110.

Continuous arm 120X may cover any portion of structure 110. The smallerthe coverage of structure 110, the greater freedom of movement ofcontinuous arm 120X, and consequently coupling apparatus 130, and anysubject object coupled thereto will have. In some embodiments, smallercontinuous arms 120X may provide below-horizon aiming for a subjectobject coupled with coupling apparatus 130 (depending also on the sizeof support member 150). In some embodiments, large surface area coveragemay allow for greater torques to be generated because more magnets maybe brought to bear on moving continuous arm 120X.

When the circumference of the inside curve of continuous arm 120X isgreater than half of the circumference of the curve of structure 110, itwill be less likely, if not impossible, for continuous arm 120X tounintentionally uncouple from structure 110. In embodiments where thecircumference of the inside curve of continuous arm 120X is smaller thanhalf of the circumference of the curve of structure 110, friction,counterweights, and/or selective activation of electromagnets may atleast assist in preventing continuous arm 120X from decoupling fromstructure 110.

In some embodiments, continuous arm 120X may have at least one notch 121defined by the remainder of the continuous arm 120X. Notch 121 may allowcontinuous arm 120X to rotate to lower elevation angles and achievebelow-horizon aiming. Multiple notches 121 in continuous arm 120X mayallow for quicker below-horizon aiming in different azimuth directionsbecause a different notch 121 may be used instead of having to rotatethe singular notch 121 to the new azimuth direction.

A subject object may include any object, and in exemplary embodimentsmay include antennas, including parabolic antennas; weapons systems,including mounted firearms, lasers and/or sonic systems; sportsequipment such as ball throwers; lighting devices; optical systems orcomponents such as lenses and mirrors; and/or robotic arms. In someembodiments, the subject object may be coupled with arms 120 withoutintermediary coupling apparatus 130. In these or other embodiments,multiple subject objects may be coupled with either arms 120 or couplingapparatus 130.

FIG. 1B shows another possible spherical motor 102 embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the subject object 160 is a parabolicdish, though in other embodiments it may be another at least partiallyround object (or an object coupled with another at least partially roundobject). Subject object 160 may be supported by support member 150and/or one or more arms 170. The curvature of subject object 160 may beconfigured to match the curvature formed by arms 170. In thisembodiment, three arms 170 are shown, but fewer or more arms 170 couldbe present in other embodiments.

Subject object 160 may have permanent magnets and/or electromagnetswhich react to permanent magnets and/or electromagnets in arms 170 tocause subject object 160 to revolve. In this, or other similarembodiments, arms 170 may be configured to direct subject object 160primarily toward a certain general direction. In these embodiments, oneor more of the arms 170 may differ in length and/or other structuralcharacteristics from one or more of the other arms 170. In otherembodiments, each arm 170 may be substantially similar to each of theother arms 170, and/or may be positioned symmetrically about supportmember 150 and/or subject object 160. In some embodiments, variousportions of subject object 160 may include counterweights to at leastassist in maintaining subject object 160 in a substantially stationaryposition.

FIG. 1C shows another possible spherical motor 103 embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the subject object 160 is a parabolicdish, though in other embodiments it may be another at least partiallyround object (or an object coupled with another at least partially roundobject). Subject object 160 may be supported by support member 150and/or one or more concave continuous arms 170X. In this embodiment, onecontinuous arm 170X is shown. The curvature of subject object 160 may beconfigured to match the curvature formed by arm 170X.

Subject object 160 may have permanent magnets and/or electromagnetswhich react to permanent magnets and/or electromagnets in arm 170X tocause subject object 160 to revolve. In this, or other similarembodiments, arm 170X may be configured to direct subject object 160primarily toward a certain general direction. In these embodiments, arm170X may be “tilted” in a particular direction, perhaps the certaingeneral direction. In some embodiments, various portions of subjectobject 160 may include counterweights to at least assist in maintainingsubject object 160 in a substantially stationary position.

Friction may be both advantageous and detrimental in spherical motor 100between arms 120, coupling apparatus 130 and structure 110 (hereinafterthe “interface”). Friction may be advantageous because it provides ameans of maintaining arms 120 and coupling apparatus 130 in a locationon structure 110 when no movement is desired. However, friction mustalso be overcome to allow for movement of arms 120 and couplingapparatus 130 around structure 110. Increased friction requires moretorque to overcome, possibly increasing the size, number and/or power ofthe magnets in arms 120 and structure 110.

To achieve a desirable amount of friction in the interface, low-frictionmaterials may be used to form the outer layer, or skin, of structure110, arms 120 and coupling apparatus 130. Both viscous and non-viscousfriction-reducing fluids may also be applied to lubricate the interface.Fluid distribution systems on arms 120, coupling apparatus 130,structure 110 and/or independently may be provided to dispense fluid atthe interface before and/or during periods of movement.

In some embodiments, a fluid system (for example, a pneumatic system)may provide a thin layer of fluid at the interface to reduce friction.In another possible embodiment, magnetic bearings may use the magnets inboth arms 120 and structure 110 to provide magnetic levitation of arms120 and coupling apparatus 130 away from structure 110. Any of theaforementioned or other friction reducing systems may create a small gapand/or at least a reduction in pressure between at least some portion ofarms 120 and structure 110 to reduce friction.

Fluid or magnetic bearing systems may be advantageous because they maybe selectively activated and deactivated, providing contact at theinterface when deactivated and allowing friction to hold arms 120 andcoupling apparatus 130 in place when no movement is desired. In suchembodiments, the skins of arms 120, coupling apparatus 130 and structure110 may be made from high friction materials, since friction can bereduced or removed when necessary by the selectively activated frictionreducing systems discussed herein or other selectively activatedfriction reducing systems.

In some embodiments, one or more of arms 120 may be counterweighted suchthat a greater range of motion may be realized by spherical motor 100.As shown in FIG. 2, a counterweight 210 may be added to arm 120C inanother spherical motor 200 of the invention. Embodiments where fewerthan all arms 120 are counterweighted may be advantageous when thedirection of coupling apparatus 130 (where the direction includes anazimuth direction and an elevation angle 220) is regularly pointed indirections opposite counterweight 210. This may particularly occur inantenna applications where antennas in the northern hemisphere of theEarth may be generally be pointed southward and vice-versa.

Counterweights 210 may at least assist in forcing the center of gravityfor the combined arms 120 and coupling apparatus 130 to exist higher ontop of structure 110, thereby reducing the amount of friction necessaryto keep arms 120 and coupling apparatus 130 from sliding undesirablyfrom a given position due to their weight and the weight of any subjectobject coupled with coupling apparatus 130. In other embodiments,counterweights 210 may increase overall friction between arms 120,coupling apparatus 130 and structure 110, thereby increasing frictionand stabilizing the position of the coupled subject object duringperiods of non-movement. The weight of a counterweight 210 may besubstantial enough to counterbalance the opposing weight of the subjectobject and/or other arms or portions of the same arm, and therebyprovide stability before, during, and/or after movement of the subjectobject.

Depending on the physical size and/or arrangement of structure 110,coupling apparatus 130, and support member 150, as well as the size,number and/or arrangement of arms 120, the range of motion of couplingapparatus 130 in relation to structure 110 may be varied. As shown inFIG. 1, as coupling apparatus 130 rotates in a downward direction, arms120B, 120C may revolve on either side of support member 150. This mayallow revolution of coupling apparatus 130 until the point at whichphysical contact is made with support member 150. In this manner,coupling apparatus 130 may be aimed below-horizon.

FIGS. 3-7 show another spherical motor 300 embodiment of the inventionwhere the subject object is a parabolic antenna 310. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7show how below-horizon aiming may be achieved in some embodiments of theinvention by revolving a plurality of arms 120 about structure 110 sothat support member 150 is between two arms 120A and 120B at thebelow-horizon position, within void 501, illustrated in FIG. 5 andformed between arms 120A and 120B. Another void 502 is formed betweenarms 120B and 120C.

In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of coupling apparatus 130 maybe reduced to allow for greater below-horizon aiming. For example, ashaped cutout on coupling apparatus 130 may allow support member 150 toenter the cutout when, thereby increasing the below-horizon angle whichmay be achieved. In these or other embodiments, the size of the areawhere support member 150 is coupled with structure 110 may be reduced toallow for greater below-horizon aiming.

During operation, it may be desired to revolve coupling apparatus 130downward when an arm 120 is extending from coupling apparatus 130 indirection of support member 150. In these situations, before couplingapparatus 130 is revolved downward, coupling apparatus 130 and arms 120may be rotated such that support member 150 will be between arms 120once coupling apparatus 130 is revolved downward. In some embodiments,automated control systems may ensure that above described initialcondition never exists by finishing revolution of arms 120 in mannerswhich will allow for downward rotations without further preparatorypolarity rotations of arms 120.

In some embodiments, support member 150 may be itself capable of atleast partly reorienting structure 110, thereby reducing the need toactivate and deactivate electromagnets in arms 120 and/or structure 110.In some embodiments, the coupling between support member 150 andstructure 110 may be selectively rotatable and may allow structure 110to rotate relative to support member 150. In other embodiments, supportmember 150 may be configured to rotate relative to surface 140, withstructure 110 fixedly coupled with support member 150. In eitherembodiment, rotation, and therefore change in azimuth direction of thesubject object may be achieved alternatively or in addition toactivation of the electromagnets in structure 110 and/or arms 120.

In some embodiments, support member 150 may also have a telescopingmechanism to raise the elevation of structure 110. This may increase thedistance to which below-horizon targets may be pointed at by a subjectobject coupled with coupling apparatus 130.

In some embodiments, structure 100 may not be fixedly coupled withsupport member 150, and instead may reside in a partially sphericalshaped depression at the top of support member 150. Electromagnets at ornear the surface of the depression, and possible in structure 110, maythen be selectively activated to rotate structure 110.

In some embodiments, a portion of coupling apparatus 130 may be rotatedrelative to the remainder of coupling apparatus 130. As shown in FIG. 1,coupling apparatus 130 may include base 132 and rotating coupling 134.Base 132 may be rotatably coupled with rotating coupling 134. In someembodiments, coupling apparatus may include an independent system suchas a motor and gear box which may rotate rotating coupling 134 relativeto base 132.

In other embodiments, the bottom of rotating coupling 134 may includepermanent magnets and/or electromagnets in proximity to structure 110.In these embodiments, electromagnets in rotating coupling 134 and/orstructure 110 may be selectively activated to cause rotating coupling134 to rotate relative to base 132. In such a manner, the subject objectmay be rotated without changing the direction it is pointed. Such arotation may also be accomplished by rotating arms 120 around structure110 in the manner described above, but rotating the rotating coupling134 may consume less energy.

In some embodiments, coupling apparatus 130 may also have a telescopingextension to adjust the distance between the subject object andstructure 110 or arms 120. In some embodiments, this may reduceelectromagnetic interference between functions of the subject object andother components of spherical motor 100.

In some embodiments, power may be transferred between support member 150and structure 110 and/or between structure 110 and coupling apparatus130 using electromagnetic induction. In these embodiments, power forelectromagnets and/or other functions of support member 150 could behard-wired from a source available at or near surface 140. Power maythen be transferred to structure 110 from support member 150 throughelectromagnetic induction. Using electromagnetic induction, currentwould be supplied to an electric coil in support member 150, causing anelectromagnetic field to be generated. A corresponding coil in structure110 would react to the electromagnetic field and generate a currentwhich could be used by electromagnets or other functions in structure110. In other embodiments, power may be hard-wired between supportmember 150 and structure 110.

Similarly, electromagnetic induction may be used to transfer powerbetween structure 110 and arms 120 and/or coupling apparatus 130. Powerat arms 120 and/or coupling apparatus 130 may be used to powerelectromagnets and/or other functions of support member 150.Furthermore, once power is delivered to coupling apparatus 130, it maybe transferred to the subject object for any required uses. In otherembodiments, power may be hard-wired between structure 110 and arms 120and/or coupling apparatus 130.

In some embodiments, power may be delivered to any component ofspherical motor 100, or a subject object coupled therewith by hard-wiredrigid and/or flexible conduit and/or conductor. Merely by way ofexample, a flexible conduit and conductor could be used to deliverhard-wired power to arms 120 and a subject object, while rigid conduitand conductor could be used to deliver hard-wired power to structure110.

As with supplying power, control signals for various portions of thespherical motor, or data signals received and/or transmitted by thesubject object may be communicated to local/proximate or remote systemseither via hard-wired or wireless connections. Local/proximate systemsinclude those systems which might normally be in communication with thesubject object via hardwired connection. In some embodiments, wirelesscommunication methods such as radio, microwave and/or infrared signalingmay be employed to: activate electromagnets, activate friction reducingsystems, communicate control instructions and/or data with the subjectobject, and/or communicate with other systems associated with sphericalmotor 100.

In some embodiments, control signals may be modulated viaelectromagnetic induction within the power transfer between componentsusing electromagnetic induction to receive power. In some embodiments,modulation may also occur in hard-wired power connections.Communications subsystems on either side of the aforementioned powertransfers may be provided to encode and/or decode these communications.Data signals, possibly to and from the subject object (i.e. a parabolicantenna), may also be modulated, possibly via electromagnetic inductionand/or hard-wired connection.

Some embodiments may also include one or more control systems to controloperation of the spherical motor. These control systems and/or at leastone data store in communication with the control system (collectivelyhereinafter the “control systems”) may include algorithms to controlactivation of electromagnets in either structure 110 or arms 120.Furthermore, in some embodiments, data acquisition devices such assensors may communicate with the control system to provide feedback onthe current status of the spherical motor.

Merely by way of example, data acquisition systems may provideinformation relating to, or usable to determine, the location of arms120, coupling apparatus 130 and/or subject object relative to structure110 or other reference point; the velocity (wherein the velocityincludes both the direction and speed) of arms 120, coupling apparatus130 and/or subject object relative to structure 110 or other referencepoint; the elevation angle of a subject object; the azimuth direction ofa subject object; and/or the polarity of a subject object.

In some embodiments, the control systems may include a numericalrepresentation of the layout of the permanent magnets and/orelectromagnets in either one or both of structure 110 and arms 120. Thecontrol system may also include data on the rotational effects ofactivating individual electromagnets on structure 110 which are locatedrelatively to other electromagnets and/or permanent magnets on arms 120,and/or vice versa. Such effects may include, for example, in whatdirection and at what speed arms 120 will move relative to structure110.

Using data from data acquisition systems on the location of arms 120relative to structure 110, the control systems may provide informationrelating to, or usable to determine, the relative locations of permanentmagnets and/or electromagnets on both structure 110 and arms 120. Thecontrol system, knowing the relative location of all magnets, and theeffects of activating or deactivating each magnet, may activate anddeactivate electromagnets to achieve a desired position and/or velocityof arms 120 relative to structure 110.

In another embodiment, at least some of the electromagnets on structure110 and/or arms 120 may have at least one data acquisition device todetermine how that particular electromagnet should be activated toachieve a desired result. In these embodiments, each electromagnet maywork independently to achieve the overall desired movement of arms 120around structure 110. Also, in these or other embodiments, aconfiguration routine may be run by the control systems which tests,determines, and records the effect of each electromagnet present in thesystem on the position of arms 120 relative to structure 110 to create aset of data from which sequences of actions necessary for future desiredmovements of arms 120 may be determined.

In some embodiments, different voltages and/or currents can be appliedto any given electromagnet to adjust the speed and/or torque at which amovement occurs. Higher speeds may be advantageous in applications wherethe subject object coupled with arms 120 is tracking an object which ismoving relatively quickly. Higher torques may be advantageous tomaintain certain speeds or movement in applications where the subjectobject has a relatively high mass.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an electromechanical block diagram of a firstexemplary system 800 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using aspherical motor is shown. In this embodiment, a control system 820provides control signals via control connection 823 to activate ordeactivate electromagnets (represented diagrammatically via multiple“EM” notations) in structure 110. The permanent magnets (representeddiagrammatically via multiple “PM” notations) in arms 120 will react tothe electromagnetic field created by the electromagnets in structure110, causing arms 120 to revolve around structure 110. Power forelectromagnets in structure 110 is provided by power system 830 viapower connection 833. Because parabolic antenna 810 is coupled with arms120 via coupling apparatus 130, parabolic antenna will revolve aroundstructure 110.

Power for parabolic antenna 810 is provided from power system 830 viapower connection 836. Flexible conduit and conductor may be used so thatpower connection 836 may be maintained whatever the position ofparabolic antenna 810. Data system 840 may receive and transmit datasignals with parabolic antenna 810 via data connection 843. Like powerconnection 836, flexible conduit and conductor may be used so that dataconnection 843 may be maintained whatever the position of parabolicantenna 810. In this or any other embodiment, optical cabling may alsobe used to transmit data or control signals via optical means.

In FIG. 9, an electromechanical block diagram of a second exemplarysystem 900 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a spherical motoris shown. In this embodiment, a control system 820 provides controlsignals via control connection 826 to activate or deactivateelectromagnets in arms 120. The electromagnets in arms 120 will react tothe magnetic field created by the permanent magnets in structure 110,causing arms 120 to revolve around structure 110. Power forelectromagnets in arms 120 is provided by power system 830 via powerconnection 839. Because parabolic antenna 810 is coupled with arms 120via coupling apparatus 130, parabolic antenna will revolve aroundstructure 110.

Power for parabolic antenna 810 is provided from power system 830 viapower connection 836. Flexible conduit and conductor may be used so thatpower connection 836 may be maintained whatever the position ofparabolic antenna 810. Data system 840 may receive and transmit datasignals with parabolic antenna 810 via data connection 843. Like powerconnection 836, flexible conduit and conductor may be used so that dataconnection 843 may be maintained whatever the position of parabolicantenna 810.

In FIG. 10, an electro-mechanical block diagram of a third exemplarysystem 1000 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a sphericalmotor is shown. In this embodiment, a control system 820 providescontrol signals via control connections 823, 826 to activate ordeactivate electromagnets in both structure 110 and arms 120. Theelectromagnets in arms 120 will react to the magnetic field created bythe electromagnets in structure 110, causing arms 120 to revolve aroundstructure 110. Power for electromagnets in structure 110 is provided bypower system 830 via power connection 833. Power for electromagnets inarms 120 is provided by power system 830 via power connection 839.Because parabolic antenna 810 is coupled with arms 120 via couplingapparatus 130, parabolic antenna will revolve around structure 110.

Power for parabolic antenna 810 is provided from power system 830 viapower connection 836. Flexible conduit and conductor may be used so thatpower connection 836 may be maintained whatever the position ofparabolic antenna 810. Data system 840 may receive and transmit datasignals with parabolic antenna 810 via data connection 843. Like powerconnection 836, flexible conduit and conductor may be used so that dataconnection 843 may be maintained whatever the position of parabolicantenna 810.

In FIG. 11, an electromechanical block diagram of a fourth exemplarysystem 1100 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a sphericalmotor is shown. In this embodiment, a control system 820 providescontrol signals via control connection 823 to activate or deactivateelectromagnets in structure 110. The permanent magnets in arms 120 willreact to the electromagnetic field created by the electromagnets instructure 110, causing arms 120 to revolve around structure 110. Powerfor electromagnets in structure 110 is provided by power system 830 viapower connection 833. Because parabolic antenna 810 is coupled with arms120 via coupling apparatus 130, parabolic antenna will revolve aroundstructure 110.

Power for parabolic antenna 810 is provided from power system 830 viapower connection 1105, primary electromagnetic induction coils 1110,secondary electromagnetic induction coils 1115, and power connection1120. Though seven primary electromagnetic induction coils 1110, and onesecondary electromagnetic induction coil 1115 are shown in FIG. 11 so asnot to complicate the figure, any number of primary electromagneticinduction coils 1110 and/or secondary electromagnetic induction coilsmay be present in various embodiments of the invention.

Primary electromagnetic coils 1110 may create an electromagnetic fieldfrom power delivered via power connection 1105, and secondaryelectromagnetic coil 1115 may react to the electromagnetic field andproduce power which may be provided to parabolic antenna 810 via powerconnection 1120. In this manner, power can be transferred to arms 120,coupling apparatus 130 and parabolic antenna 810 without a physicalconductor connection with other components of the system. In someembodiments, electromagnets in structure 110 may also provide thefunctionality of primary electromagnet coils 1110 in addition to theirfunctionality in rotating arms 120.

Data system 840 may receive and transmit data signals with parabolicantenna 810 via data connection 843. Flexible conduit and conductor maybe used so that data connection 843 may be maintained whatever theposition of parabolic antenna 810.

In FIG. 12, an electromechanical block diagram of a fifth exemplarysystem 1200 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a sphericalmotor is shown. In this embodiment, a control system 820 providescontrol signals via control connection 823 to activate or deactivateelectromagnets in structure 110. The permanent magnets in arms 120 willreact to the electromagnetic field created by the electromagnets instructure 110, causing arms 120 to revolve around structure 110. Powerfor electromagnets in structure 110 is provided by power system 830 viapower connection 833. Because parabolic antenna 810 is coupled with arms120 via coupling apparatus 130, parabolic antenna will revolve aroundstructure 110.

Power for parabolic antenna 810 is provided from power system 830 viapower connection 1105, primary electromagnetic induction coils 1110,secondary electromagnetic induction coils 1115, and power connection1120. Though seven primary electromagnetic induction coils 1110, and onesecondary electromagnetic induction coil 1115 are shown in FIG. 12 so asnot to complicate the figure, any number of primary electromagneticinduction coils 1110 and/or secondary electromagnetic induction coilsmay be present in various embodiments of the invention. Primaryelectromagnetic coils 1110 may create an electromagnetic field frompower delivered via power connection 1105, and secondary electromagneticcoil 1115 may react to the electromagnetic field and produce power whichmay be provided to parabolic antenna 810 via power connection 1120. Inthis manner, power can be transferred to arms 120, coupling apparatus130 and parabolic antenna 810 without a physical conductor connectionwith other components of the system. In some embodiments, electromagnetsin structure 110 may also or alternatively provide the functionality ofprimary electromagnet coils 1110 in addition to their functionality forrotating arms 120.

In fifth exemplary system 1200, data signals transmitted to and fromdata system 840 and parabolic antenna 810 may be modulated within thepower transmitted via power connection 1105, primary electromagneticinduction coils 1110, secondary electromagnetic induction coils 1115,and power connection 1120. Data system 840 may receive and transmit datasignals with power system 830 via data connection 846 so that the datasignals may be modulated to parabolic antenna 810 via the delivery ofpower. In this manner, data signals can be exchanged between data system840 and parabolic antenna without a physical conductor connectionbetween the two.

In FIG. 13, electromechanical block diagram of a sixth exemplary system1300 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a spherical motor isshown. This embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 12, except that(1) a rotatable coupling apparatus 130, and (2) a telescoping supportmember 150, are shown. Telescoping support member 150 is powered viapower connection 1305 and controlled by control system 820 via controlconnection 1310.

Rotatable coupling apparatus 130 includes an outer sleeve 132 and aninner shaft 134. When a subject object, in this case parabolic antenna810, is coupled with inner shaft 134, it may be turned relative to outersleeve 132 which may be fixedly coupled with arms 120. In this manner,the polarity of parabolic antenna 810 may be changed by rotating innershaft 134 rather than arms 120. While in some embodiments inner shaft134 may be rotated by a motor and/or gearbox coupled with inner shaft134 and/or outer sleeve 132, however in the embodiment shownelectromagnets are used to rotate inner sleeve 134. As describedelsewhere, arms 120 may instead be, or may also be, rotated to adjustthe polarity of the subject object.

Turning to FIG. 14, a plan view of the underside of coupling apparatus130 from FIG. 13 is shown. The underside is the side of couplingapparatus 130 which faces structure 110. A portion of arms 120, withtheir permanent magnets are also shown in FIG. 14. When it is desired torotate inner shaft 134, electromagnets in structure 110 within proximityto the permanent magnets are activated in a circular manner so as tocause the permanent magnets in inner shaft 134 to react and rotate innershaft 134. In other embodiments, arms may have electromagnets which maybe activated to cause rotation of inner shaft 134.

In FIG. 15, electromechanical block diagram of a seventh exemplarysystem 1500 for revolving a parabolic antenna 810 using a sphericalmotor is shown. This embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 13,except in this embodiment, structure 110 may be rotated with respect tosupport member 150. Because both arms 120 and structure 110 may rotate,more torque and/or speed may be brought to bear when moving subjectobject (in this case parabolic antenna 810). Bearing systems, such asthose discussed above in regards to friction between arms 120 andstructure 110, may also be used to reduce friction between supportmember 150 and structure 110. Power for electromagnets in support member150 may be delivered from power system 830 via power connection 1305,and control signals may be transmitted via control connection 1310.

In system 1500, power is supplied to structure 110 via electromagneticinduction using power connection 1505 and super-primary electromagneticinduction coil 1510. Power may then also be transmitted from structure110 to parabolic antenna 810 using primary electromagnetic inductioncoils 1110 and secondary electromagnetic coil 1115. Control signals forthe electromagnets in structure 110 may be supplied from control system820 via modulating the signals into power delivered to structure 110.Control system 820 may receive and transmit control signals with powersystem 830 via control connection 1515 so that the control signals maybe modulated to structure 110 via the delivery of power. Data signalsfrom data system 840 to parabolic antenna 810 may also be modulated inthe same manner as before with the extra step of modulating the signalsthrough structure 110.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes ofclarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon, whereinthe system comprises: a support member, wherein the support member iscoupled with a surface; a spherical structure, wherein: the sphericalstructure is coupled with the support member; and the sphericalstructure is at least partially spherical in shape about a centralpoint; and at least one arm, wherein: the at least one arm is rotatablycoupled with the spherical structure; the at least one arm is coupledwith the antenna; the at least one arm at least partially defines avoid; and the support member is at least partially disposed within thevoid when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.
 2. Thesystem for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon of claim 1,wherein: the spherical structure comprises a first plurality of magnets;the at least one arm comprises a second plurality of magnets; and atleast a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the firstplurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configuredto be selectively activated to rotate the at least one arm about thecentral point.
 3. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein either one of, or both of, the firstplurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets compriseelectromagnets.
 4. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein either one of, or both of, the firstplurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets comprisepermanent magnets.
 5. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein: the at least one arm comprises threearms comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm; and the voidis defined between the first arm and the second arm.
 6. The system foraiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon of claim 1, wherein theat least one arm comprises a plurality of arms, and at least one of theplurality of arms comprises a counterweight.
 7. The system for aiming anantenna in a direction below-horizon of claim 6, wherein the at least onof the plurality of arms comprising a counterweight comprises an armpointed in a direction substantially opposite the directionbelow-horizon.
 8. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein: the at least one arm comprises asingle arm, wherein the arm is characterized by an at least partiallyspherical shape.
 9. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein support member is configured toselectively change a distance between the surface and the sphericalstructure.
 10. The system for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 1, wherein support member is configured toselectively change a rotational orientation of the spherical motorrelative to the surface.
 11. The system for aiming an antenna in adirection below-horizon of claim 1, wherein the spherical structurefurther comprises a first plurality of magnets, and wherein systemfurther comprises: a coupling apparatus, wherein: the coupling apparatusis fixedly coupled with the antenna; the coupling apparatus is rotatablycoupled with the at least one arm; and the coupling apparatus comprisesa second plurality of magnets, wherein at least a portion of the magnetsin either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and thesecond plurality of magnets are configured to be selectively activatedto rotate the coupling apparatus relative to the at least one arm.
 12. Amethod for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon, wherein themethod comprises: providing a support member, wherein the support memberis coupled with a surface; providing a spherical structure, wherein: thespherical structure is coupled with the support member; and thespherical structure is at least partially spherical in shape about acentral point; providing at least one arm, wherein: the at least one armis rotatably coupled with the spherical structure; the at least one armis coupled with the antenna; and the at least one arm at least partiallydefines a void; and rotating the at least one arm such that the supportmember is at least partially disposed within the void when the antennais aimed in the direction below-horizon.
 13. The method for aiming anantenna in a direction below-horizon of claim 12, wherein: the sphericalstructure comprises a first plurality of magnets; the at least one armcomprises a second plurality of magnets; and rotating the at least onearm comprises activating, selectively, at least a portion of the magnetsin either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and thesecond plurality of magnets to rotate the at least one arm about thecentral point.
 14. The method for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 12, wherein the spherical structure comprises aprimary plurality of magnets and the at least one arm comprises asecondary plurality of magnets, and wherein the method furthercomprises: activating, selectively, at least a portion of the magnets ineither one of, or both of, the primary plurality of magnets and thesecondary plurality of magnets to create a gap between at least someportion of the at least one arm and the spherical structure.
 15. Themethod for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon of claim 12,wherein the method further comprises: providing a layer of fluid betweenat least a portion of the at least one arm, wherein the layer of fluidreduces friction between the at least one arm and the sphericalstructure.
 16. The method for aiming an antenna in a directionbelow-horizon of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises:transmitting or receiving data, wirelessly, with the parabolic antennaat a location proximately located to the antenna.